Trump After Dark: Kim’s May Day edition

A White House characterized by twists and turns delivered again today: President Donald Trump is set to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a virtually unprecedented move for the United States and one fraught with risk for the president.

More surprising than even Trump’s decision to meet with Kim, his apparent willingness to meet soon, perhaps as soon as May. That timeline, as well as Trump’s agreement in principle to meet with a leader he has mocked as a “little Rocket Man” and threatened with annihilation, was part of a stunning announcement delivered by South Korea’s national security adviser, Chung Eui-yong to reporters gathered at the White House.

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Chung had traveled to the U.S. to brief Trump and other officials today after talks between South Korea and North Korea in Pyongyang. He told reporters that North Korea had signaled it would not test missiles anymore and would be willing to negotiate ending its nuclear weapons program.

Per Chung, Kim “stressed his eagerness to meet President Trump as soon as possible. President Trump appreciated the greeting and said he would meet Kim Jong Un by May to achieve permanent denuclearization.”

Elsewhere in President Trump’s orbit:

STEEL A BIG DEAL: President Trump brushed off concerns from Republicans and announced new tariffs for steel and aluminum. On a day when other events stole the show, this still could be an action that blows up the global trade order.

MAN DOWN: Paul Manafort will go to trial on July 10 for 18 counts of tax evasion of bank fraud. It’s one of two trials he’ll face.

ZINKE AGAIN: The Department of Interior is set to spend $139,000 for a new door to Sec. Ryan Zinke’s office. Zinke says he was not aware of the contract and sees it as a lot of money for a new door.

KOCH SPILLS: Billionaire GOP donor Charles Koch ripped President Trump’s steel and aluminum tariffs which he says do more harm than good.

REFUGEE SKEPTIC: A White House aide known for his skepticism of refugees and support of policies restricting refugees has been appointed to a top State Department role overseeing their admissions to the U.S.

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There you have it. You’re caught up on the Trump administration. That’s Thursday in the books.